Equity-Focused Conferences
This is not an exhaustive list. Please email us at EpiCenter@smc.edu if you have other conferences you would like to see included!
We are not promoting or affiliated with these conferences, but want to share resources so you can take advantage of the abundant opportunities to grow and connect in your equity work.
Webster University DEI Conference
Dates: April 8 & April 9, 2026
Location: St. Louis, MO and Virtual
Registration Cost: FREE with registration
In a time when diversity, equity and inclusion programming at institutions across the country is being challenged, Webster University remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations, advancing equity and championing inclusion. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of this work and the critical role we all play in creating a more just and equitable world.
This milestone year’s conference will celebrate a decade of progress and reinforce our dedication to the DEI initiatives that shape our University and communities. We are confident the 10th Annual DEI Conference will deliver the impactful programming, inspiring speakers and opportunities for collaboration that you have come to expect.
Dates: April 15- 16, 2026 (9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Registration Cost: FREE with Registration
Location: Virtual
This year’s theme, Planted in Pride and Purpose: Cultivating Queer Futures, emphasizes the summit’s intention to nurture an environment centered on steadfast community and persistent growth. Through storytelling, workshops, and dialogue, we’ll move from solidarity to action, making equity a lived practice grounded in care, visibility, and collective commitment.
The summit provides an opportunity for students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to come together, learn from one another, share innovative ideas, and develop strategies to enhance campus programs and student support services. Through the summit, we’ll explore how to support our campuses and students to the fullest extent. We seek proposals from practitioners and students sharing promising practices and programs to advance LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion at community colleges. The Summit Planning Committee encourages the submission of presentations that address the experiences of the LGBTQIA2S+ community at the intersection of multiple systems of oppression. We equally welcome presentations that celebrate queer and trans joy, resilience, and accomplishments.
Webster University DEI Conference
Dates: April 8 & April 9, 2026
Location: St. Louis, MO and Virtual
Registration Cost: FREE with registration
In a time when diversity, equity and inclusion programming at institutions across the country is being challenged, Webster University remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations, advancing equity and championing inclusion. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of this work and the critical role we all play in creating a more just and equitable world.
This milestone year’s conference will celebrate a decade of progress and reinforce our dedication to the DEI initiatives that shape our University and communities. We are confident the 10th Annual DEI Conference will deliver the impactful programming, inspiring speakers and opportunities for collaboration that you have come to expect.
Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity
Dates: Wednesday, May 27 - Saturday, May 30, 2026
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (Hawai’i Convention Center) - In person with Virtual Options
Registration Cost:
Early Bird (through Dec 31, 2025): $449
Regular Rate: $501
Inclusive Excellence Symposium
Dates: March 18-21, 2025 | 2026 Dates TBA
Location: UVM Dudley H. Davis Center and Virtually | 2026 Location TBA
Registration Cost: $20
The Inclusive Excellence Symposium builds on UVM’s legacy of Blackboard Jungle, offering an enhanced platform for faculty, staff, students, and community members to deepen their understanding of diversity and its essential role in fostering excellence in teaching, service, and research. The symposium’s sessions are designed to create spaces for authentic dialogue, thoughtful reflection, and expanded learning, all focused on advancing inclusive excellence within our community. Through these engagements, participants will gain the tools and insights needed to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable environment across all aspects of academic and communal life.
AAC&U Conference on Learning and Student Success (CLASS)
Dates: April 15 - 18, 2026
Location: Tuscan, Arizona or Online
Registration Cost:
Early Bird (through Feb 6, 2026): $1,020
Regular Rate: $1,099
This year’s theme—courageous care—recognizes that transformative education emerges when institutions genuinely prioritize student and educator learning, well-being, belonging, and success. The challenges facing higher education today demand more than defending the status quo. Addressing these challenges requires a complete reimagining of undergraduate education. At CLASS 2026, we will celebrate the educators who refuse to retreat and instead double down on what works while boldly exploring what's next.
Upswing Equity in Education Conference 2025
Dates: June 17, 10 AM ET
Location: Virtual
Registration Cost: Free
Join Upswing for our annual virtual conference. This year’s theme is Navigating the New Frontier: Empowering Student Success and Institutional Resilience. The conference is free for any higher ed administrators or professionals to attend.
Ed Equity Forum 2026: The Courage of Our Convictions
Dates: September 22-24, 2026
Location: San Diego, CA
Registration Cost: $425 (2024 cost) | 2026 Cost TBA
The Education Equity Forum is a place for advocates, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to network and learn from each other.
Dates: March 4 - 6, 2026
Location: Long Beach Convention Center 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Registration Cost: Pre-conferene session: $500 | General registration: $775
Join us as we bring together Black male college students and educators to encourage and find innovative ideas to increase the success of Black male students in California’s community college system . The summit is hosted by the African American Male Education Network & Development (A²MEND), a nonprofit comprising African American male educators, who voluntarily use their professional expertise to operate a statewide mentoring program for Black male college students.
This year's theme, "Sacred Work: (Re)membering, (Re)storing, (Re)birthing Black Men and Boys" will cultivate the importance of re-establishing the black male success in the community college and their presence in the community as a whole.
35th Annual Latina History Day 2026: Building Power, Unlocking Possibility
Dates: Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Cost: $160- $195 plus fees
Location: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE 900 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
Join HOPE for the 35th Annual Latina History Day Conference, a celebration of 35 years of empowering and elevating Latina leaders.
This year’s theme, Piece by Piece: Building Power, Unlocking Possibility, honors the collective strength of our community as we come together to shape a bold, thriving future. Inspired by the árbol de la vida, the conference celebrates the leaders, stories, and connections that give life to our shared progress.
Experience a day of inspiration, learning, and connection through workshops, keynotes, and conversations designed to expand your leadership and unlock new possibilities.
Dates: October 9 - 10, 2025 | 2026 Dates TBA
Location: San Diego, CA | 2026 Location TBA
Registration Cost: $600 | 2026 Cost TBA
Join us for the 3rd Annual Nandi Conference! The Nandi Annual Conference provides a platform for all California Community College System professionals and students to engage in critical discussions on advancing equity and inclusion. The Nandi Conference is being brought to you in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
Dates: February 18 - 20, 2026
Location: The Westin Long Beach
Registration Cost: $895
In 2026, we proudly celebrate a milestone 50 years in the making — the 50th Annual ACCCA Conference.
For five decades, our annual conference has brought together professionals, pioneers, and changemakers to learn, connect, and grow. This year, under the theme Honoring Our Journey | Igniting Our Future, we’ll reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today, and look ahead to all we can become — together.
AHSIE Annual Best Practices Conference
Date: March 8 - 11, 2026
Registration Cost: $990
Location: Boston, MA
Join us March 8–11, 2026, in Boston, MA, as we gather to explore this year’s theme: Leading Con Corazón: Reimagining the Power of Servingness. Together, we will lead with heart, reimagine what it means to serve, and build bridges that sustain the movement for educational justice.
Dates: March 2 - 5, 2026
Location: Portland, OR
Registration Cost:
Early Bird (through Dec 31, 2025): $980
Regular Rate: $1,100
Achieving the Dream's unwavering dedication to students and communities has empowered higher education institutions across the country to become catalysts for access, momentum, and socioeconomic mobility. Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of the student success movement, addressing the urgent need for improved access, retention, and credentialing — and championing the critical role of community colleges in fueling community vibrancy and transforming lives.
During this 22nd annual convening in Portland, Oregon, thousands of practitioners from over 300 colleges will exchange evidence-based strategies that drive access, momentum, mobility, and community impact.
Business School DEI Collaborative Conference
Dates: March 6 - 8, 2025 | 2026 Dates TBA
Location:
2025 Location: Bloomington, IN
2026 Location TBA
Registration Cost: $475
National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) Annual Conference
Dates: March 25 - 28, 2026
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Registration Cost:
Early Bird (through Dec 31, 2025): $950
Regular Rate: $1,000
NADOHE members and colleagues are invited to gather March 25 - 28, 2026, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, PA.
This conference offers a space for renewal; for reclaiming higher education as a beacon of hope in a complex world. Together, we’ll reimagine what’s possible when we center humanity, dialogue, and shared purpose. We’ll challenge false binaries that limit growth and explore how higher education can cultivate a more inclusive, resilient, and joyful democracy. Through thoughtful reflection and bold action, we can build institutions that live up to the deepest ideals of “We the People.
Dates: March 9 - 12, 2026
Location: Austin, TX
Registration Cost: $595